As expected, my Sei's front struts aren't in a good state and my -35mm (from non sporting height) springs aren't helping... I'm after some new front shocks, with rears to follow when I can afford them.

Are OEM sporting struts different to non sporting struts? Would they be a reasonable choice considering the tame drop? (~15mm from sporting)
Would these stop my springs from lowering to their full potential?

I might be able to push it to a cheap pair of gmax struts or similar if it's worth it.

the ideal way of doing this is to getting matching shocks and springs. But seeing you have the springs already. I have heard good things with OEM standards KYB or Monrow shocks.

Don't think there is any differences with sporting and non sporting shocks, they will both fit the sei.

Ming

I think the Sporting shocks are shorter. Same recommendations as Ming: the Monroe are -- I think -- superior, but will be more expensive.

Monroe list the same damper for both engine sizes and they list OEM plus uprated.

http://www.taec.nl/monroe/

Cheers

SPD

Thanks... the Monroes look like the sort of thing I'm after, but a quick stint on Google hasn't brought up any retailers - from where should I buy them?

I'm guessing they're better quality than the generic Gmax branded struts, which cost a pretty reasonable £40 each.

Ask at your local motor factors or somewhere like Partco.

Cheers

SPD

FTR All Seicentos use the same struts according to shop4parts

rallycinq said:

Monroe list the same damper for both engine sizes and they list OEM plus uprated.

http://www.taec.nl/monroe/

Cheers

SPD

Click to expand...

beecon said:

FTR All Seicentos use the same struts according to shop4parts

Click to expand...

Yup

Cheers

SPD

beecon said:

FTR All Seicentos use the same struts according to shop4parts

Click to expand...

rallycinq said:

Monroe list the same damper for both engine sizes and they list OEM plus uprated.
http://www.taec.nl/monroe/

Click to expand...

Oops... and according to Monroe

I'll start pestering Monroe importers in the morning

KYB is widely available!!!

And they pobably are just as big/good as monroe.

http://www.motorsportworld.co.uk/

Just seach for fiat - cinquecento

Ming

ycming said:

KYB is widely available!!!

And they pobably are just as big/good as monroe.

Click to expand...

I think the Munroe are superior -- look for "Reflex"-- than the stock OE replacement KYB. Mind you, KYB have introduced a super dooper top of the range strut, which is probably muchly more expensive.

I've made a couple of calls about the Monroes but haven't been called back by either of them as promised (naming and shaming Larkspeed and Europerformance)

Camskill lists these KYB dampers. The second ones look pretty tasty and are £41 each
First
Second

Here's the KYB blurb
http://www.kayaba.co.uk/shocks.html

Any reason why I shouldn't just go ahead and get a pair?

beecon said:

First
Second

Here's the KYB blurb
http://www.kayaba.co.uk/shocks.html

Any reason why I shouldn't just go ahead and get a pair?

Click to expand...

Anyone?

And are the damper 'protection kits' effective? Or do they just trap grit?

beecon said:

Anyone?

And are the damper 'protection kits' effective? Or do they just trap grit?

Click to expand...

i can't see why not, the 2nd one is probably better and obviously thats why it cost more. As for the protection kit i think they are effective, i have had mine on for 2 years and have recently taken them off and they still look reasonably clean., but of course thats my opinion the others on the forum may think differently.

Hope that helps

Mustard

http://www.tuning.co.uk/fiatshop/
Click on seicento and bilstein shox are 39.00

Sure they'd be better.

i know the owners of the above site... they know there stuff. I have bilstein shocks with apex springs.(recommended for road use while still been very good on the track)
the shocks are really good quality and mine have taken a hell of a beating (grass auto test) and still good as new after over a year (not even a speck of rust)

In that case it's going to be Bilsteins from fastfiat.com/tuning.co.uk
I'll buy some once I've done my exam this afternoon...

Thanks for the help guys

Just called FastFiat to check stock and found out that the price of the Bilsteins has gone up rom £39 to £56!!

Camskill are ordering in some KYB Ultra SRs in GOLD :yum:

beecon said:

Just called FastFiat to check stock and found out that the price of the Bilsteins has gone up rom £39 to £56!!

Camskill are ordering in some KYB Ultra SRs in GOLD :yum:

Click to expand...

BAH HUMBUG. Wish they would update.
Surely you if you order them at that they would either give you them for that price or meet you in the middle. Either is better than full retail.

I was calling him to check stock and he warned me. I tried bargaining but he wasn't having any of it!
Apparently it's due to the exchange rate and fall in demand... sounds reasonable enough.

I'm expecting good things of the KYBs. I'll post about them when I get them fitted.